Walking by Faith, Not by Fear

Overcoming Life's Challenges


Life is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, victories and setbacks. We all experience moments of triumph where our faith feels unshakeable, only to find ourselves grappling with doubt and fear soon after. This spiritual rollercoaster is a common human experience, one that even the greatest biblical figures struggled with.
Consider the story of Elijah, a prophet renowned for his unwavering faith. After a spectacular demonstration of God's power on Mount Carmel, where fire from heaven consumed a water-drenched sacrifice, Elijah stood victorious against 450 prophets of Baal. It was a mountaintop experience, both literally and figuratively. Yet, within 24 hours, we find Elijah cowering in fear, running for his life from Queen Jezebel's threats.
This dramatic shift from faith to fear is captured poignantly in 1 Kings 19:1-5. Elijah, the man who had just witnessed God's awesome power, now sits under a broom tree, praying for death. "I have had enough, Lord," he says. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."
How quickly our perspective can change when we take our eyes off God and focus on our circumstances! This sudden plummet from faith to fear is not unique to Elijah. We see a similar pattern in the New Testament with Peter walking on water.
In Matthew 14:22-33, we read about Jesus inviting Peter to step out of the boat and walk on the turbulent sea. Peter, in a moment of incredible faith, actually walks on water towards Jesus. But as soon as he notices the wind and waves, fear grips him, and he begins to sink. "Lord, save me!" he cries out.
These stories serve as powerful reminders that our faith is constantly tested, especially after significant spiritual victories. The enemy often waits at the bottom of our mountaintop experiences, ready to sow seeds of doubt and fear. It's a pattern that repeats throughout Scripture and in our own lives.
So how do we maintain our faith in the face of fear? How do we continue walking by faith and not by sight, as 2 Corinthians 5:7 instructs us?
First, we must remember that God is always present, even in our moments of fear and doubt. When Elijah was at his lowest, God didn't abandon him. Instead, He provided for Elijah's physical needs, gently questioned his presence under the broom tree, and gave him a new mission. Similarly, when Peter began to sink, Jesus immediately reached out His hand to save him.
Secondly, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, not on the storms around us. Peter's experience teaches us that when we focus on our problems rather than on our Savior, we begin to sink. Our circumstances may be overwhelming, but our God is greater.
Thirdly, we should seek help when we need it. There's no shame in admitting we're struggling. Whether it's through prayer, Christian counseling, or the support of fellow believers, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Lastly, we must persevere. God often tells us to "go back the way we came." This isn't about retreat, but about facing our fears with renewed faith. Like Elijah, we may need to return to the very situations that frighten us, trusting that God will be with us every step of the way.
Life's journey is filled with ups and downs. As the song lyrics remind us: "I have won, I have lost. I've got it right sometimes, but sometimes I did not. Life's been a journey, I've seen joy, I've seen regret. But you have been my God through all of it."
Walking by faith doesn't mean we'll never experience fear. Rather, it means choosing to trust God even when we're afraid. It means remembering that the God who was with us on the mountaintop is the same God who walks with us through the valley.
Consider the inspiring story of Arthur Blessitt, who carried a cross around the world to share the message of Jesus. In the face of threats and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Blessitt consistently chose faith over fear. Whether it was facing armed guards at the Chinese border or trekking through dangerous jungles, Blessitt's testimony echoes a profound truth: "The safest place to be is in the center of God's will."
This doesn't mean that following God's will guarantees a life free from danger or hardship. But it does mean that when we're aligned with God's purposes, we can face our fears with the confidence that He is with us.
As we navigate life's challenges, let's remember the words Jesus spoke to His disciples in the storm: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:27) These words still ring true for us today.
Whether you're currently experiencing a mountaintop high or feeling stuck in a valley of fear, know that God is with you. He hasn't abandoned you. He still has a plan for your life. Don't give up. Don't give in. Keep walking by faith, not by fear.
If you find yourself struggling with fear today, take heart. God's love for you hasn't changed. His plans for you are still good. It's okay to acknowledge your fears, but don't let them paralyze you. Instead, like Peter sinking in the waves, cry out to Jesus. He's ready to reach out His hand and lift you up.
Remember, without faith, it's impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). But with faith, even as small as a mustard seed, nothing is impossible (Matthew 17:20). So keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Trust Him to guide you through both the mountaintops and valleys of life.
In every circumstance, choose faith over fear. For in the end, it's not about the absence of fear, but about the presence of faith. Walk on, dear friend. Your God is with you through it all.